Newcastle College is delighted to announce the relaunch of its partnership with Newcastle Rugby Foundation for the 2025/26 season, building on the success of prior years which have driven positive change across the region.

This renewed partnership centres on the CAST programme – a nationally-acclaimed initiative which promotes volunteering, social inclusion, and community engagement – and will see Newcastle College play a key role in supporting and expanding CAST’s impact. 

Key Stats and Achievements 

  • Over the past year, 15 HITZ students from Newcastle College have actively participated in the CAST programme, gaining invaluable skills such as confidence, communication, and teamwork. 
  • HITZ, in collaboration with CAST, has helped prepare students for future career opportunities while contributing to their local communities. 

What’s New for 2025/26 

  • CAST will be present at every home matchday at the Newcastle Red Bulls, raising money for Newcastle Rugby Foundation and the incredible work we do around the region. 
  • Newcastle College will continue its sponsorship of CAST, and work closely with the Foundation to expand the reach of the programme, opening up more volunteering roles, community events, and mentoring opportunities. 

Words from the Leadership 

"The CAST programme is a truly transformative initiative that not only supports the local community, but provides Newcastle College’s students with unique opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Melanie Magee, CEO of Newcastle Rugby Foundation.

“Their continued sponsorship cements our commitment to supporting our community through the power of sport and education, and I look forward to strengthening our relationship further this year." 

Newcastle College Principal Jon Ridley added,  “We are delighted to relaunch our partnership with Newcastle Rugby Foundation and continue supporting the CAST programme, which is delivering such a powerful impact across our region.

"CAST not only helps to strengthen community inclusion and wellbeing, but also gives our students unique opportunities to grow in confidence, build vital skills, and prepare for their future careers. At Newcastle College, we are committed to empowering young people through education and collaboration, and this partnership is a fantastic example of how we can achieve that together.” 

David Wilson, a CAST volunteer, HITZ mentor, and Newcastle Rugby Foundation team member, shared his journey: 

"Joining The Cast was an unexpected and, as it turned out, a life-changing experience. Realising that isolation and loneliness were affecting me, I volunteered at the Rugby League World Cup. A month later, in November 2022, a chance social media message introduced me to The Cast. Within minutes, I knew I had found my tribe and many missing pieces of my life. 

"The HITZ programme is pure magic. The impacts on young people are nothing short of miraculous—they become more confident, develop powerful people skills and create positive changes in the lives of those around them. I wanted to make a difference, but the young people made the difference to me." 

Looking Ahead 

Through this relaunch, Newcastle College and Newcastle Rugby Foundation reaffirm their shared dedication to: 

  • Empowering young people through education, volunteering, and sport 
  • Supporting community inclusion, wellbeing, and connectedness 
  • Growing CAST’s reach so more individuals across the North East benefit